Runswick offers a timeless seaside experience, of peace and tranquillity in a stunning location: the village and bay unchanged and untouched by intrusive developments. The cottages cling to one end of the bay, and the pub in the lower bay (The Royal), is a perfect spot for refreshment and a wonderful view over the bay. The cafe/beach store overlooking the bay serves great coffee, ice cream, and home made cakes and snacks. At the top of the village the Runswick Bay Hotel, just a few doors down from Alby House, serves great traditional beer and food.
Runswick reminds you of childhood holidays, with endless opportunities for playing on the beach, digging in golden sand, pottering around on the rocks, poking about in the rock pools, foraging for fossils...traditional pastimes with timeless appeal for young children. Buckets and spades and nets are provided, along with a 'trolley' to cart the gear down to the beach (stored in the den). Alby House itself has family facilities to complement the beach if the tide is in, or in more inclement weather: the large enclosed garden is ideal for playing, and the wooden 'den' provides space and playthings for smaller ones including a large selection of lego and outdoor games, and, for older but still youthful guests, table football, pool, and table tennis.
Runswick is ideally placed for serious walkers as well as those who enjoy a leisurely stroll along some of the UK's most fantastic coastal and countryside paths.
The Cleveland Way passes right through Runswick (just 80 metres from Alby House's front door!) as it hugs the dramatic Heritage Coastline. From Alby House you can walk North to Staithes and onwards to Saltburn, before heading deep into the North Yorkshire Moors National Park and Helmsley; or walk South along Runswick beach before climbing back up to the clifftop to continue past the remains of the alum mines along the coast to Sandsend and Whitby. Beyond Whitby, the Cleveland Way meanders via Robin Hoods Bay and onwards to Filey. For those who like to take such walks in 'bite-size chunks' the Way can be tackled in short bursts - and the regular bus service along the coast (from Whitby to Loftus), which passes Alby House's front door, and bus stops just around the corner, is a real boon to walkers.
The 'Moor to Sea' cycle route links Scarborough, Pickering and Whitby, with around 80 miles of spectacular routes to follow. Alby House provides secure parking for cycles at the rear of the property in the enclosed garden.
Surfers and sailors are welcomed in Runswick, with many enjoying the sweep of the bay from the seaward perspective.
The Yorkshire Moors Visitors Centre, now known as Danby Lodge, is a historic visitor centre, set in an idyllic spot on the banks of the River Esk, near Danby. From the doorstep, you can see pretty much everything that makes the North York Moors National Park so special: moorland, woodland, farmland, miles of hedges and drystone walls, historic buildings – all basking in glorious peace and quiet. A great base from which to walk, cycle, or just relax and enjoy the stunning views and excellent café and galleries.
We enjoyed very much our stay at Runswick Bay, an area we hadn't visited before but will certainly do so again. Your home was a delight and much thought had obviously gone into furnishing for comfort. We were particularly impressed with the well-equipped kitchen and as our son cooked wonderful meals each evenning he was really pleased to have everything to hand!
A lovely week despite rainy weather. The den was a great idea - boys thoroughly entertained . All beds v. confy and pillows fine.
A really attractive, well-equipped cottage in an excellent situation in the village. Everything was lovely and clean and the beds were really comfortable. I had a query before we went and it was dealt with in a really efficient way by the owners.
We have had a wonderful week, enjoying this lovely house and the surrounding area. Two families stayed here and all of us would come back, adults and children alike loved the cosy house. We were never cold, the fire was excellent and kept every room warm. Each night we slept well, the beds and duvets so comfy
We've had a fantastic week in this well-appointed, child-friendly house and beautiful region. There's everything here we could need. Thank you so much. Four generations from Manchester and Germany
Our three families have all had a brilliant week here and the house is absolutely perfect. We appreciate all the little extras you provided, they made for a very comfrotable stay. This house really was well-equipped. It was our first time in Whitby and we enjoyed it so much and will definitley be back!
We have all really enjoyed our first holiday in Runswick, a lovely bay with friendly people, and a comfortable, well-equipped house. The children have loved paddling in the sea and playing the football game. We all enjoyed sitting in the lovely big garden when the tide came in and we had to leave the beach.
We have had a fantastic holiday and the house has been perfect for our two familiies. The children loved the den and the space they had in the garden and house. The facilities are excellent especially the kitchen. Thank you for making it a wonderful holiday, and the little touches were greatly appreciated.
Children: I think the house is extremely homely and cosy. It made my whole family happy. We had such fun at the beach and playing rounders in the garden. Parents: As you can see we have had a super holiday in this excellent house.
Another really wonderful New Year - thank you! The houseis lovely and so well-equipped - even for eclectic food lovers like our bunch! The village is beautiful and we had some great walks with a cosy living room to retreat to after.
This was a return visit for three generations - all 8 of us. We loved the house and location last time, and so were keen to come back. Great well-equipped house catering for all our kids (10,8 and 2).. Table tennis tournaments aplenty! Amazing beach, fantastic house and location.
Lovely large house, well equipped. Garden lovely size. Games room was a great hit with children and adults too! Beds very comfy, plenty of hot water and towels. A lovely house with lots of room and everything a large family could want.
